After a male student transmigrated into the body of a widow,

Chapter 182 White Porcelain

Upon arriving at the white porcelain factory, Gu Lin saw all the craftsmen gathered together. Yu Ercheng and the others turned around after hearing the commotion and found him approaching.

Yu Ercheng walked over and said, "Boss."

With hurried steps, Gu Lin stopped and asked, "How did it go?"

Although the young man's words were vague, Yu Ercheng understood what he was asking. Before he could answer, the people gathered in front of the kiln nearby cheered: "The white porcelain is out of the kiln!"

Gu Lin's attention was immediately drawn to it.

A craftsman, holding thick, long kiln tongs, took out a porcelain piece about half an arm's length from the white porcelain kiln. Because it had just come out of the kiln, the surface of the white porcelain still had an orange-red tinge, like the setting sun hanging in the sky at dusk.

As Gu Lin approached, the crowd made way for him, all watching intently as the craftsman placed the white porcelain to cool down.

As they watched the red color slowly fade from the surface of the white porcelain, revealing its pure white hue, the artisans were overjoyed, exclaiming to each other, "We've fired it! We've really fired white porcelain!"

Standing next to Gu Lin, Yu Ercheng was also very happy. His employer had entrusted him with the task of firing white porcelain, giving him the greatest authority. He did not disappoint his employer's expectations and, together with the alchemists and craftsmen of Ning, successfully fired the white porcelain in just a few days.

Moreover, the appearance of these white porcelains is not much worse than those white porcelains that are kept in the capital.

In Beijing, white porcelain, though precious, is not hard to find. When Yu Ercheng was discussing business with others, he saw several business partners deliberately displaying white porcelain indoors, decorated with fresh flowers and green leaves. The porcelain was as clear and transparent as jade, and the brilliance and fragrance of the room became mere accompaniments to the porcelain.

The white porcelain that had just come out of the kiln was almost indistinguishable from the porcelain treasured in the capital. Yu Ercheng turned to look at the young man beside him, but saw that the other man looked surprised and delighted, but not satisfied or amazed.

Gu Lin turned to Er Cheng and said, "Please invite Master Ning over for me."

Seeing the master's serious expression, the excitement in Yu Ercheng's eyes gradually faded, and the joy in his heart cooled down. Then, with a calm expression, he went to invite Master Ning.

A moment later, Ning Fangshi followed Yu Ercheng over.

The two then brought over a white porcelain bottle.

Gu Lin raised the corners of his lips slightly and smiled as he said to Ning Fangshi, "You've worked hard these past few days, Ning Fangshi. I thought it would be a month before we saw any results from the white porcelain factory, but I didn't expect that you and your craftsmen would produce white porcelain in just a few days after you entered the factory."

Before pointing out someone's problems, you must acknowledge their efforts and contributions. This is Gu Lin's experience in dealing with his subordinates over the years.

Ning Fangshi: "Boss Gu, you're too kind. With the white porcelain formula you provided, it's only a matter of time before the white porcelain factory can produce white porcelain."

That being said, it would be best to fire the white porcelain as soon as possible; otherwise, if it is delayed, the money will only go out and not come in.

Gu Lin reached out and took the white porcelain bottle. He lowered his head slightly and began to twirl the bottle in his hand. The coolness and warmth of the bottle's surface smoothed against the young man's palm, and the slight roughness as he twirled it stirred something within him, prompting him to gently rub it.

Ning Fangshi kept his eyes fixed on the white porcelain bottle as it turned, and said, "When I first arrived at the porcelain factory, I tried to fire the white porcelain several times, but I was unsuccessful. Although I managed to fire it this time, it is not perfect. There are still some cracks on the surface of the porcelain bottle."

The cracks on the porcelain bottle were difficult to spot from a distance. As Ning Fangshi finished speaking, Gu Lin held the porcelain bottle in his hands and turned it around a few times. After a moment, he could see several fine cracks on the surface of the off-white porcelain bottle.

Seeing this, Gu Lin smiled nonchalantly: "It's normal for the firing to not be good at first because the technique is not yet proficient. You'll get used to it after firing it a few more times."

Ning Fangshi also knew this principle; he was just being modest. He believed that few could compare with him in successfully firing white porcelain within a few days.

"but."

Gu Lin changed the subject, saying, "This white porcelain seems a bit too dark yellow."

"Does Master Ning have a way to make the white porcelain whiter?"

Upon hearing this, Ning Fangshi frowned slightly. Although this was his first time firing white porcelain, he had seen hundreds or even dozens of pieces. No matter how skilled the craftsman, the white porcelain he produced always had a slightly yellowish or grayish tinge.

As if he hadn't noticed the other person's furrowed brow, Gu Lin spoke up, reminding him, "I once saw in an ancient book that the color and texture of white porcelain seem to be related to the porcelain clay. The purer the porcelain clay, the better the color and texture of the white porcelain. Unfortunately, I lost that ancient book on my way to the capital."

At this point, the young man looked regretful.

Ning Fangshi's brow twitched, as if he had realized something. Gu Lin continued generously, "I have heard that there is another thing called porcelain stone. When mixed into porcelain clay and fired into white porcelain, it can make the white porcelain less prone to deformation and give it a delicate feel."

Gu Lin stopped there and didn't say anything more.

Ning Fangshi's brows furrowed even deeper as he looked down at the white porcelain in the young man's hand, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

Seeing that the other party had understood, Gu Lin said no more. He returned the white porcelain to Yu Ercheng and, before leaving the white porcelain factory, gave all the craftsmen their monthly wages and bonuses, which drew cheers and applause.

Without lingering outside the city, Gu Lin returned to the city after seeing that Ning Fangshi had indeed been inspired.

However, as soon as he entered the city gate, he found that the atmosphere inside the city was chaotic and tense, compared to the lively and harmonious atmosphere when he left.

Lifting the carriage curtain, Gu Lin looked out onto the street. He saw that the stalls on both sides of the street were in disarray, with various bamboo baskets scattered on the ground. The couple who usually sold wontons were nowhere to be seen. Gu Lin looked around and saw that the passersby were in a hurry and running in all directions, and most of them were running in the same direction.

The crowd was chaotic and congested. The coachman turned to Gu Lin in the carriage and said, "Gu husband, there are too many people ahead, the carriage can't get through."

Gu Lin lowered the carriage curtain: "I'll get out and walk."

He was followed by several mounted guards, so there was no need to worry about the crowds. After getting off the carriage, Gu Lin told the coachman to stay there until the crowd dispersed before returning to the mansion.

Then, Gu Lin turned his gaze back to the crowd not far ahead and said to Guard Chen, "Brother Chen, can you send someone to find out what happened?"

"Yes." Guard Chen pointed to one person, who immediately went to the crowd after receiving the order. Gu Lin watched as the person casually approached a few people to inquire about information, and returned a moment later.

The man, with a grim expression, replied, "News has spread from the army that the Red-Clad Army is about to attack."

Gu Lin paused for a moment, then quickly denied it: "Impossible."

He left the city at noon. At that time, the whole city was calm and peaceful, with no hint that the Red Army was going to attack. How could things have changed so quickly after he left?

If the Red-Clad Army really intended to attack, Zheng Hao would have explained it to him yesterday.

The man said, "It should be true. I asked several people, and one of the old men's sons was a soldier in the Red Army in the town. They had just received the news of the Red Army's invasion, and it spread throughout the entire town shortly afterward."

Gu Lin's expression hardened slightly as he saw the crowd rushing towards several shops. He asked, "So, they're hoarding food?"

The man nodded solemnly.

War means turmoil. If the Red-Clad Army really attacks Jibei Prefecture, the city will be most short of food and able-bodied men. If they don't buy food now, they may not even be able to eat chaff after a while.

Suddenly, someone shouted, "The soldiers are here! The soldiers are here!"

"No looting of the grain! Go back home!"

Immediately afterwards, Gu Lin saw the long queue that had been in front of the grain shop immediately disperse in all directions, with soldiers driving away the people who were queuing to buy grain.

Chen, the guard, pulled over a figure who had run past them and asked, "When did you learn from the Red Army in the town that the Red Army was about to send troops?"

The figure who was pulled back was initially annoyed, but seeing that the group of men were all tall and strong, he held back for a moment. After hearing what the man asked, he said with a strange expression, "Who said we got the news from the Red Army in the town? The government office has posted notices calling on the people of the city to fight against the Red Army!"

Then, the man glanced at their clothes, especially the young man in the middle who was being protected by the group of men, and said: "Seeing that you are dressed in rich clothes, I advise you to leave Jibei Prefecture as soon as possible. Earlier, the Zhenhong Army was defeated by the Red Army at the front and lost a prefecture city, so they had to retreat to Jibei Prefecture. The Red Army has launched another attack, and I don't know what will happen to Jibei Prefecture!"

After saying this, the man looked sorrowful and waved his hand, intending to leave.

Gu Lin gestured to Guard Chen, who then gave the man a reward of silver. Upon seeing the gleaming silver, the man's expression improved. Although grain prices had risen recently, this silver ingot could still buy a considerable amount of grain.

After gathering information, Chen, the guard, saw that the situation on the street was becoming increasingly chaotic and advised Gu Lin, "Husband, let's go back first."

Without insisting on going his own way, Gu Lin had several guards lead the way, and they quickly returned to their lodgings.

The Red Army camp in Zhen.

Ever since the scouts discovered the Red-Clad Army's deployment, the entire camp has been eerily silent.

At the top commanding position, a burly general of average build, with a somber expression and sharp gaze, looked down at the many generals below and asked, "The Red-Clad Army is about to attack. What are your plans to deal with this?"

The room was completely silent, devoid of the usual boisterous atmosphere of drinking and feasting.

Suddenly, a general with a scar on his face stepped forward and said, "General, we have money and food in the city. If the Red-Clad Army attacks, we can close the city gates and exhaust their food supplies. Then they will naturally retreat."

The autumn grain in Jibei Prefecture had just been stored away, so even if the Red-Clad Army attacked, they were not afraid of a shortage of military rations.

Upon hearing this, General Yu frowned slightly as if he were pondering. However, before he could think further, a general with half-white and half-black hair and beard stepped forward.

Chang Lei clasped his hands and said, “General, this plan is not feasible. There are a large number of Red Army soldiers and civilians in the town. Once the war starts, the Red Army can transport food by boat from the rear. We will be forced to stay in the city, lacking food and water. We may be the first to be worn down.”

General Yu glanced over, but remained silent.

The general with a scar on his face looked at Chang Lei and said, "General Chang thinks this plan won't work. You must have a better plan. Why don't you tell us so that the commander and we can hear it?"

Chang Lei frowned, and at this moment General Yu spoke up: "General Chang, please speak frankly."

Chang Lei pondered for a moment and said, "The number of Zhenhong Army is two or three times that of Hongyi Army. We don't need to be afraid of the enemy if we face them head-on. Instead of hiding, we should take the initiative. I suggest we open the city gates and send out troops to fight back against the enemy."

Upon hearing this, the scarred general sneered, "General Chang, you make it sound so easy. Have you forgotten how Jizhou Prefecture fell?"

Jeju Prefecture was the second prefecture city to be captured by the Red Army. At that time, the commander of the Red Army was not General Yu, but someone else. The other side thought that the imperial army had a large number of soldiers and there was no need to fear the Red Army's small number. So they opened the city gates and took the initiative to attack, but they did not expect to suffer a big setback and lost their lives in Jeju Prefecture when the city fell.

Chang Lei knew all this, but the situation in Jibei Prefecture was different from that in Jizhou Prefecture. The former commander of the Red Army was arrogant and conceited. He had not investigated the situation at the front line before rashly sending out troops, thus falling into the Red Army's trap and suffering heavy casualties.

General Yu raised his hand and pressed it down, and immediately everyone fell silent.

He turned his gaze to the young supervisor, who had been sitting silently in his place since entering the tent: "I wonder what Lord Zheng thinks?"

After receiving news of the Red Army's attack from the Zhenhong Army, General Yu immediately sent a messenger to Zheng Hao. It wasn't that he wanted the other party to discuss the matter together; how could they expect a civil official to handle matters of war?

It was merely to avoid gossip and reassure the court, since General Yu did not want Zheng Hao to use this as an opportunity to infringe upon military power.

Among the tent full of rough and uncouth men, the young man had a face as handsome as jade and a refined and elegant appearance; his presence alone made the entire tent shine.

When asked by the commander, Zheng Hao replied in a calm tone, "This matter is of great importance. Although I am the military supervisor, I only have a superficial understanding of warfare. You generals can discuss it yourselves."

Upon hearing this, many generals in the tent showed expressions of satisfaction.

They were most afraid of the military supervisors sent by the imperial court. Not only were they all arrogant and difficult to serve, but they also wanted to seize military power. When the supervisors were deploying troops, they liked to give random orders, which was extremely annoying.

Fortunately, the newly arrived military supervisor, though he looked like a frail, scholarly pretty boy, was able to distinguish between what was important and what was not.

After much discussion, no conclusion was reached. Seeing that it was getting late and the city gates were locked, Zheng Hao decided to stay overnight at the military camp.

Three days later, after devising a solution and adopting General Scarface's suggestion, Zheng Hao rode back to the city.

Upon seeing his master return to the manor, Da Yan immediately went to greet him: "My lord, you're back. The kitchen has prepared food and hot water. Would you like to take a bath or have a meal first?"

Zheng Hao, weary from his journey, found living in the military camp inconvenient, so he kept everything simple for the next three days, including bathing and changing clothes.

With a hint of weariness between his brows, Zheng Hao lowered his eyes and asked, "Where is my husband?"

Da Yan: "My husband went to the porcelain factory in the morning. You haven't come back for the past few days, so he specially told us to prepare food and hot water for you."

When Zheng Hao reports matters to his servants, he requires them to be concise. However, when it comes to matters concerning young men, he wants to know everything, even which dish the young man ate more of.

Hearing that Uncle Gu was still concerned about him after he hadn't returned for several days, and had specially instructed his subordinates, Zheng Hao's gaze softened, and then he turned his attention away from Da Yan and went to the front yard with a calm expression.

After Lord Zheng left, the Great Yan immediately sent someone to deliver a message to her husband.